SAFN Lab


The Self-Assembled Functional Nanomaterials (SAFN) group led by Prof. Mu-Ping Nieh focuses on the research to develop experimental approaches, e.g., scattering and microscopy, to probe nano- or micro-structures of the materials that have advanced, unique functions. Through these researches, we aim to (1) understand the structure-function relationships of functional materials, (2) predict the self-assembling morphology based on molecular architecture and properties, in collaboration with molecular dynamic simulations, and (3) apply the principles of self-assembly to construct advanced biomaterials, therapeutic/diagnostic delivery carriers, sensing and energy materials.

News

  • 2024
    Kamila Zygadlo, Chung-Hao Liu, Emmanuel Reynoso Bernardo, Huayue Ai, Mu-Ping Nieh, Lindsey A. Hanson. “Correlating structural changes in thermoresponsive hydrogels to the optical response of embedded plasmonic nanoparticles” Nanoscale Adv, 6, 146-154
    Posted on August 25, 2025
  • 2023
    Chung-Hao’s paper on “Synthesis of Polymer Nanoweb via a Lipid Template” is published in the ACS Macro Letters  (07/2023) The paper” Next-generation poly-L-histidine formulations for miRNA mimic delivery” in collaboration with Prof. Bahal is published in Molecular Therapy-Methods & Clinical Development (06/2023) Chung-Hao received the Pre-doctoral Travel Award from CBE in 2022-2023, congratulations! (05/2022) Donyeil […]
    Posted on June 6, 2023
    https://events.uconn.edu/live/json/v2/events/response_fields/location,summary/date_format/%25F%20%25j,%20%25Y/max/4/start_date/today/end_date/6 months/
  • Nov
    2
    Eight Days a Week : An Illustrated Record of Rock ‘n’ Roll
    Jorgensen Gallery
    ALL DAY
    Opening Reception: Sat, Sep 27, 6:30 pm
    (Prior to Invincible: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson)
  • Nov
    2
    FRAME Contest: Your Research in the Spotlight
    ALL DAY

    The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) is launching the first annual Featured Research Art & Media Exhibit (FRAME) Contest — and we want your research on our walls.

  • Nov
    2
    Scholastic Writing Awards 2025-26
    ALL DAY

    Founded in 1923, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. The awards identify and celebrate talented young writers and artists, offering them opportunities for recognition, scholarships, and publication.

  • Nov
    2
    UConn Extension Ornamental & Turf Short Course
    ALL DAY

    A short course providing an in-depth review of the information necessary to pass the Ornamental and Turf/Golf Course Superintendents State of Connecticut Supervisory Pesticide Applicator Certification (category 3A) exam.

Contact

Dr. Mu-Ping Nieh 

Email: mu-ping.nieh@uconn.edu

Phone: 860-486-8708

Address:

Polymer program, Institute of Materials Science

25 King Hill Road, MZ221

Storrs, CT 06269-3136